#application security testing

[smartcitysystem]

Why Startups and Enterprises Alike Need Application Security Testing

In today’s digital-first world, applications have become the backbone of business operations—from customer-facing websites and mobile apps to back-end systems that drive logistics, payments, and communication. As organizations increasingly rely on software to deliver value, they also become more exposed to cyber threats.

Unfortunately, many businesses—especially startups—tend to deprioritize application security testing in favor of rapid development and feature delivery. Meanwhile, enterprises, despite having more mature processes, can fall victim to complacency or outdated testing strategies.

The truth is: whether you're a scrappy startup or a global enterprise, application security testing (AST) is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

This article explores why application security testing matters for businesses of all sizes, the risks of neglecting it, and how it can be integrated into modern software development lifecycles to build safer, more resilient applications.

What Is Application Security Testing?

Application security testing is a procedure used to identify, assess, and address security vulnerabilities in software applications. It ensures that applications are designed, developed, and deployed with security in mind—protecting data, users, and the business itself.

There are several types of AST methods, including:

Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Analyzes source code before the app is run

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Tests the running application in a live environment

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST): Combines elements of SAST and DAST

Software Composition Analysis (SCA): Identifies vulnerabilities in third-party libraries and open-source components

Penetration Testing: Simulates real-world attacks to find exploitable vulnerabilities

The goal? Find and fix security issues early—before attackers can exploit them.

Why Application Security Is Non-Negotiable

Applications are one of the most targeted attack surfaces for cybercriminals. According to industry reports, over 80% of data breaches are linked to application-layer vulnerabilities.

These can include:

SQL injections

Cross-site scripting (XSS)

Broken authentication

Insecure APIs

Unpatched open-source components

A single overlooked vulnerability can open the door to data theft, financial fraud, reputation damage, or even legal consequences under regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.

Why Startups Need Application Security Testing

Startups, by nature, are focused on growth, speed, and innovation. But in the rush to launch MVPs, attract investors, or capture market share, security often takes a backseat.

1. Reputation Is Everything

For startups, credibility is fragile. One breach—especially in industries like fintech, healthcare, or eCommerce—can destroy user trust before the business even takes off.

Security testing helps startups demonstrate responsibility, gain customer confidence, and differentiate from competitors that neglect security.

2. Start Secure, Stay Secure

Building security into the foundation of your software (also known as “shifting left”) is far more cost-effective than fixing flaws later.

According to IBM, fixing a security flaw in production costs 6x to 15x more than resolving it during development. Thanks to AST, startups may integrate security early and minimize technical debt, hence preventing future rework.

3. Compliance from Day One

Many investors and enterprise customers now demand security and compliance as part of due diligence. Businesses that use application security testing are more equipped to handle:

ISO 27001 standards

GDPR or CCPA privacy requirements

Vendor security assessments

Penetration test requirements in B2B contracts

4. Defend Against Common Threats

Most startup applications are built using frameworks and open-source libraries. Without proper testing, startups are exposed to vulnerabilities like unpatched packages or misconfigured APIs.

Security testing tools like SCA can alert developers about these issues before hackers do.

Why Enterprises Also Need Application Security Testing

Large organizations often have mature IT ecosystems, but that doesn’t make them immune to breaches. Enterprises have more complexity, attack surfaces, and legacy code, making them frequent targets.

1. Volume and Scale Demand Automation

Enterprises often manage hundreds or thousands of applications across multiple business units. Manual testing isn’t scalable.

Application security testing, especially automated SAST and DAST tools, enables security to keep pace with rapid development cycles and global operations.

2. Legacy Systems and Technical Debt

Many enterprises still run on legacy code that was developed before modern security practices. These systems are frequently difficult to fix and might not have the most basic security.

Based on business risk, AST assists in identifying vulnerabilities in older codebases and prioritizing fixes.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Enterprises must comply with an array of standards, including:

PCI-DSS (for payment systems)

HIPAA (for healthcare data)

SOX (for financial transparency)

NIST and CIS (for cybersecurity best practices)

Application security testing helps ensure ongoing compliance, especially during audits and vendor risk assessments.

4. High-Profile Targets

The objective is more appealing the larger the organization. Cybercriminals, hacktivists, and even nation-state actors actively seek ways to exploit enterprise apps.

Regular testing—especially penetration testing and red teaming—helps stay one step ahead of attackers.

How to Integrate Application Security Testing into Development

1. Shift Left in the SDLC

Security should be part of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) from the start. Integrate tools like SAST into your CI/CD pipelines to catch issues as code is written.

2. Automate What You Can

Use automated testing tools to run regular scans on code, libraries, APIs, and live environments. These tools reduce testing time and help cover more ground.

Recommended tools include:

Snyk, SonarQube (SAST)

OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite (DAST)

Checkmarx, Veracode (enterprise-grade AST)

3. Conduct Regular Penetration Testing

Manual testing by ethical hackers can reveal business logic flaws, authentication weaknesses, and real-world exploits that automated tools might miss.

Do this quarterly or after major releases.

4. Train Your Developers

Security is a team effort. Equip your developers with knowledge about secure coding practices, OWASP Top 10, and how to remediate findings.

5. Monitor and Measure

Track metrics like:

Number of vulnerabilities found

Time to remediation

Severity levels

App coverage percentage

Use dashboards and reports to improve continuously.

Final Thoughts

Application security testing is no longer optional—it's a core business function. Whether you're launching your first app or managing thousands, you need to know your code is secure.

For startups, testing builds trust, ensures compliance, and sets the foundation for sustainable growth. For enterprises, it provides the scale, visibility, and protection needed to defend massive ecosystems.

The investment in application security testing today prevents far more expensive problems tomorrow. It's not just about checking boxes—it's about building software your users can trust and your business can rely on.

Are you doing enough to secure your applications?

Now’s the time to make application security testing part of your development strategy—no matter your size.

[abhinavpatel]

Application Security Testing

[webappdevelopmentindia]

Guarding Against Threats: Advanced Techniques for Application Security Testing

Explore advanced techniques in #applicationsecuritytesting to safeguard against evolving cyber threats and ensure the integrity of your software infrastructure.

[bluesteelcyberusa]

Compliance Gap Assessment: Bridging the Divide Between Compliance and Reality

In today's complex regulatory environment, businesses face increasing pressure to comply with a myriad of laws, regulations, and industry standards. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to hefty fines, legal repercussions, and damage to reputation. This is where compliance gap assessment comes into play.

Introduction to Compliance Gap Assessment

Compliance gap assessment is a systematic process of evaluating an organization's adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. It involves identifying discrepancies between current practices and desired compliance standards.

Why Conduct a Compliance Gap Assessment?

Conducting a compliance gap assessment is essential for several reasons:

Identifying potential risks: By pinpointing areas of non-compliance, organizations can proactively address risks before they escalate.

Ensuring regulatory compliance: Compliance with laws and regulations is non-negotiable for businesses operating in various industries.

Improving operational efficiency: Streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary steps can lead to cost savings and improved productivity.

Key Components of a Compliance Gap Assessment

A successful compliance gap assessment involves several key components:

Establishing objectives: Clearly defining the goals and scope of the assessment is crucial for focusing efforts and resources effectively.

Reviewing current policies and procedures: Evaluating existing policies, procedures, and controls provides a baseline for comparison.

Identifying gaps: Analyzing the differences between current practices and regulatory requirements helps prioritize areas for improvement.

Developing a remediation plan: Creating a detailed action plan ensures that identified gaps are addressed systematically.

Steps to Perform a Compliance Gap Assessment

Performing a compliance gap assessment involves the following steps:

Planning and preparation: Define the scope, objectives, and timeline for the assessment. Allocate resources and designate responsibilities accordingly.

Data collection and analysis: Gather relevant documentation, conduct interviews, and collect data to assess compliance across various areas.

Gap identification: Compare current practices against regulatory requirements to identify gaps and deficiencies.

Remediation planning: Develop a comprehensive plan to address identified gaps, including timelines, responsibilities, and resources required.

Implementation and monitoring: Execute the remediation plan, track progress, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure ongoing compliance.

Common Challenges in Compliance Gap Assessment

Despite its importance, compliance gap assessment can pose several challenges:

Lack of resources: Limited budget, time, and expertise can hinder the effectiveness of the assessment process.

Complexity of regulations: Keeping up with evolving regulations and interpreting their implications can be daunting for organizations.

Resistance to change: Implementing changes to achieve compliance may encounter resistance from stakeholders accustomed to existing practices.

Best Practices for Successful Compliance Gap Assessments

To overcome these challenges and ensure a successful compliance gap assessment, organizations should consider the following best practices:

Leadership commitment: Senior management should demonstrate unwavering support for compliance initiatives and allocate necessary resources.

Cross-functional collaboration: Involving stakeholders from various departments fosters a holistic understanding of compliance requirements and facilitates alignment of efforts.

Regular reviews and updates: Compliance is an ongoing process. Regular reviews and updates ensure that policies and procedures remain current and effective.

Case Studies: Real-world Examples of Compliance Gap Assessment

Healthcare Industry

In the healthcare sector, compliance with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is paramount to safeguarding patient data and ensuring quality care. Conducting regular gap assessments helps healthcare organizations identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their compliance posture.

Financial Sector

Banks and financial institutions are subject to stringent regulations aimed at protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability. Compliance gap assessments enable these organizations to detect potential issues such as fraud, money laundering, and regulatory violations.

Manufacturing Companies

Manufacturing companies must adhere to a multitude of regulations governing product safety, environmental impact, and labor practices. Compliance gap assessments assist manufacturers in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

Benefits of Conducting a Compliance Gap Assessment

The benefits of conducting a compliance gap assessment extend beyond mere regulatory compliance:

Risk mitigation: Identifying and addressing compliance gaps reduces the likelihood of fines, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

Cost savings: Streamlining processes and eliminating inefficiencies can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Enhanced reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to compliance and ethical business practices enhances trust and credibility among stakeholders.

Conclusion

Compliance gap assessment is a critical component of any organization's risk management and governance strategy. By systematically evaluating compliance across various areas, businesses can identify and address potential risks, ensure regulatory adherence, and enhance operational efficiency. Embracing best practices and leveraging real-world examples can help organizations navigate the complexities of compliance effectively.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is compliance gap assessment? Compliance gap assessment is a systematic process of evaluating an organization's adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Why is compliance gap assessment important? Conducting a compliance gap assessment helps organizations identify potential risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve operational efficiency.

What are the key components of a compliance gap assessment? The key components include establishing objectives, reviewing current policies and procedures, identifying gaps, and developing a remediation plan.

What are some common challenges in compliance gap assessment? Common challenges include lack of resources, complexity of regulations, and resistance to change.

What are the benefits of conducting a compliance gap assessment? The benefits include risk mitigation, cost savings, and enhanced reputation.

[kbvresearch]

Tackling Mobile Application Security in Healthcare

[crestinfosystems]

Application Security Testing: All You Need To Know About

In today’s modern world, application security testing (AST) tools are now widely used due to the prevalence of software-related problems. It is expected that over 84 % of software breaches are caused by vulnerabilities in the application layer. Many IT leaders, software developers, engineers, and application testers may find it difficult to determine which application security testing tools will address which issues as the number of tools is growing daily.  

The primary reason for using application security testing (AST) tools is that it takes a long time to manually review the code and traditional test plans, and as a result, new vulnerabilities continue to be found and introduced in the process. That’s where AST comes in, which automates the testing process and makes things easier to do through automation. 

AST tools provide many benefits for testing applications, including speed, efficiency, and coverage; the tests they carry out are repeatable and scalable. Once a test case has been developed and written, it can easily be run on a large amount of code without significant incremental cost. Therefore, it is cost-effective too, and doesn’t take much time to initiate the process. 

Well, in this article, we will be talking about application security testing, including its top benefits, process, best practices, types, tools, and techniques used in the process. 

Let’s get started. 

What is Application Security Testing? 

Application security testing (AST) is the process of identifying security weaknesses and vulnerabilities in source code in order to make applications more resistant to security threats. 

Initially, application security testing (AST) ran as a manual process, but as enterprise software became more modular, many open-source components were introduced over time. The AST process became more automated with the number of increasing vulnerabilities.

However, a lot of businesses use the combination of various application security testing tools to get more efficient and effective results. 

Application Security Testing: Types and Tools

It’s practically checked that when you perform a dynamic scan, the tool will learn more about the application by looking at how it responds to different test cases: and when you perform a dynamic scan, the tool will learn more about how the application works. 

This knowledge can be used to create additional test cases, which can then lead to gaining more knowledge, and so on. Traditional stand-alone DAST and SAST tools can be too time-consuming for Agile or DevOps environments, which makes IAST tools a good fit. They reduce false positives and work well in Agile and DevOps environments.

Let’s take a look at different types of application security testing (AST) and their uses for the application. 

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools utilize the white box testing approach which inspects application source code, scans static code, and displays security weaknesses. 

Static testing tools are often used on non-compiled code to identify various issues, including input validation issues, math errors, syntax errors, invalid or insecure references, etc. SAST can also be applied to compiled code with the use of binary and byte-code analyzers.

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

Unlike traditional testing techniques, DAST tools execute code and inspect it in real time, determining security issues that indicate security threats and vulnerabilities. 

This type of security testing is done to identify query string issues, requests and responses, script problems, memory leaks, cookie handling, third-party service execution, data injection, and DOM injection that can all affect the performance of your website.

In DAST tools, simulated test cases can be run on a large scale to reproduce unexpected or malicious behavior, and ultimately determine the response of the application. 

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

Like DAST tools, IAST tools also run dynamically and examine software while it is running, combining SAST and DAST tools to uncover an even broader range of security flaws. 

Nevertheless, they can inspect compiled source code as IAST tools do, enabling them to identify sources of vulnerabilities and the lines of code that are affected. 

This enables easy remediation of vulnerabilities. This type of testing is best suitable for API testing and helps to analyze source code, data flow, third-party libraries, and configuration.

Mobile Application Security Testing (MAST)

MAST tools are specially designed to study forensic data generated by mobile applications through static, dynamic, and investigative analysis. 

In addition to testing for security vulnerabilities such as IAST, SAST, and DAST, mobile-specific issues include locating jailbroken devices, and malicious Wi-Fi networks, and protecting data on mobile devices.

Runtime Application Self-Protection (RASP)

Unlike SAST, DAST, and IAST, RASP tools can analyze application traffic and user behavior at runtime, detecting and preventing cyber threats. As with the previous generations of tools, RASP can analyze the source code of an application to find weaknesses.

RASP tools integrate with applications and analyze traffic at runtime, so they are able not only to detect security vulnerabilities but also to provide active protection, such as terminating sessions or sending alerts.

Implementing this type of in-depth inspection and protection during the runtime can help eliminate the need for SAST, DAST, and IAST, allowing security issues to be detected and prevented without requiring costly development efforts.

Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

Software Configuration Analysis (SCA) is the process of managing and securing open-source components. Developers use SCA to quickly track and analyze the open-source components that are deployed in their projects. 

SCA tool is used to identify all essential components and libraries that support them, along with the direct and indirect dependencies. In addition to this, it helps determine vulnerabilities and provides recommendations for remediation for each of these components. 

Application Security Testing: Best Practices

Security is important at every stage of the software development lifecycle, according to new organizational practices such as DevSecOps. 

The AST tools can help developers understand security concerns and implement the best practices for security at the development stage.

It helps QA testers examine security issues at the early stage before the launching of the actual product. 

More advanced tools such as RASP can help determine and prevent security vulnerabilities in source code while in production.

Test internal interfaces, apart from APIs and UIs

Applications are usually tested for application security using external threats such as user input provided through web forms or requests to public APIs. 

Attackers often target internal systems with weak authentication or vulnerabilities once they have already penetrated security controls. It is imperative that internal systems are integrated, connected, and tested using AST to avoid such issues.

Test often

Thousands of components are used by enterprise applications, all of which may become obsolete or require security updates. As new vulnerabilities are discovered every day. 

In order to make sure critical systems are protected and functioning as efficiently as possible, it is imperative to test them frequently, prioritize issues affecting business-critical systems, and allocate resources to remedy issues quickly.

Third-party code security

AST practices should be applied to all code used in an organization's applications, whether open-source or commercial. Organizations should never trust components from third parties for security reasons. 

Therefore, you need to scan third-party code just like you do your own, and if you find severe issues, you can apply the latest security patches, speak with QA experts, or create a fix of your own.

Benefits of Application Security Testing

Many businesses invest in application security because applications power almost everything businesses do nowadays. Here are several reasons for investing in application security:

Eliminates the risks from internal and as well as third-party sources.

Makes customer data more secure and builds customer trust.

Helps protect sensitive data from leaks.

Improves trust from crucial investors and lenders.

Keep businesses off the headlines in order to maintain their brand reputation.

Application Security Testing: Techniques

An understanding of how client-server (browser) communication works through HTTP is required to prevent all of the above security testing threats/flaws and carry out security testing on a web application. 

It would also require basic knowledge of SQL injection and XSS. Below are some of the most effective techniques used in performing quality security testing:

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Testers must look into some additional checks on the web application for XSS (Cross-site scripting). Make sure that any HTML e.g. <HTML> or any script e.g. <SCRIPT> must not be accepted by the application. 

If it happens, the application will be more likely to get vulnerabilities by Cross-Site Scripting, because attackers often use such methods to execute malicious scripts or URLs on a victim’s browser.

Ethical Hacking

A white-hat hacker is someone who uses hacking to identify potential threats on a computer or network to make it more difficult for black-hat hackers to break in. White hats suggest changes to systems, such as software patches, to make them less susceptible to exploitation. 

On the other hand, a black hat hacker would exploit the vulnerabilities found within a system to gain access to sensitive information. Therefore, it is important to check whether the system is fully protected from such kinds of attacks. 

Password Cracking

A hacker can access the private areas of the application by using a password-cracking tool or by guessing the common username and password of the application. In order to perform system testing, a password-cracking tool is essential. 

There are open-source password-cracking applications available online that can decipher the password for you if you have a commonly used username and password. 

The username and password of a web application are easy to decrypt until a complex password is enforced (e.g., a long password containing both numbers and letters). Another way to crack a password is to target cookies if the cookies aren't encrypted.

Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is the process of attacking a computer system in order to uncover security weaknesses and gain access to its functionality and data.

Risk Assessment

In this process, the organization will assess the possibility of the occurrence of losses and the risks involved with them. This will be determined through interviews, discussions, and analysis within the organization.

Security Auditing

It is a system of evaluating a company's information security by assessing its compliance with a set of standards.

Security Scanning

This program communicates with the web front-end in order to find out potential security threats and vulnerabilities within the web application, OS, and networks. 

Importance of Application Security Testing (AST) for Businesses

A comprehensive security testing framework involves the evaluation of an application's security across all layers, including the infrastructure, network, and database of the application. It concludes by validating the application's exposure through testing the network as well as its database. 

Due to the prevalence of today's cloud and multi-network applications, the security of applications is a fundamental concern. This makes the application less vulnerable to attacks and breaches and helps you run your business application more efficiently and successfully. 

Final Thoughts

Thus, application security testing provides a number of advantages for businesses if they are implemented and performed the right way. To make your business up to the mark and running flawlessly, it is crucial to have the right application security testing employed in your business application. The more secure business you have, the more trusted customers you will get.

If you are experiencing some kind of security threats or vulnerabilities in your application or software and need help with implementing the right application security testing to make your application bug-free and more secure, we would recommend you contact one of the most prominent software application and testing service company named Crest Infosystems to get things done more efficiently. 

[atcuality3]

Simplify Decentralized Payments with a Unified Cash Collection Application

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[harshita1201]

Web Application Security Testing

Web application security testing is the process of evaluating and identifying vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and potential threats in a web application's code, configuration, and deployment.

[m3owfrog]

ugh i kinda wanna get back on tumblr and rot my brain out some more

[gqattech]

Boost Your Digital Success: Why Performance and Security Testing Are Essential

The Importance of Performance and Security Testing for Your Digital Success

In the current rapid digital space, organizations increasingly depend on their applications and websites to connect with customers, manage processes, and generate revenue. When a digital platform is poorly developed with respect to performance or security, it can negatively impact missed opportunities, reputation, and substantial monetary losses. This is where the important processes of performance and security testing fit in. They are important processes that can help ensure your digital resources are strong, dependable, and secure, with a competitive advantage for your organization. In this blog, we will discuss why performance and security testing are essential complete processes, areas of advantage, and what role they play in your digital success.

What is Performance Testing?

Performance testing is the method of assessing how well a system, application, or website performs under various conditions. More precisely, performance testing should encompass speed, response time, scalability, and stability to ensure that, regardless of the platform, it can effectively handle user demand. Performance testing ensures that applications are still efficient and easy to use during any sudden spikes in traffic or when performing complex computational tasks.

There are several important types of performance testing:

Load Testing: Assesses how the system performs when it is under what is expected user load.

Stress Testing: Assesses how the system performs by overloading the system in extreme conditions to assess its breaking point.

Scalability Testing: Solves whether the system can grow or shrink in its ability to meet user demands.

Endurance Testing: Measures and screens performance for long durations to identify social issues like memory leaks.

Performance testing assists businesses in identifying their bottlenecks and weaknesses, which then provides their users with a seamless user experience at all times, especially during peak usage.

Why Security Testing is Essential

In a world where cyber threats are becoming more commonplace, security testing is the first step in protecting sensitive information and maintaining user trust. Security testing exposes vulnerabilities inherent in your application or system that may be exploited by a malicious actor. A weakness in security could lead to catastrophic consequences, such as data breaches or ransomware attacks.

Key Aspects of Security Testing

Vulnerability Assessment: Discovers possible weaknesses in the system, like software that incorporates outdated libraries or systems that are poorly configured. 

Penetration Testing: Enables testers to be hostile and review exploitable vulnerabilities in web applications or systems. 

Security Audit: Reviews code, frameworks, and configurations concerning an industry's benchmark. 

Risk Assessment: Assesses possible threats to a business. 

The results of security testing will help in the increased discovery of vulnerabilities and the reduction of financial losses, lawsuits, and damaged reputations for businesses.

The Importance of Performance and Security Testing

1. Improved User Experience

Users will not tolerate a site or app that takes too long to load. Slow and inconsistent performance can lead to high bounce rates and lost conversions. Performance testing can improve the speed, reliability, and consistency of your web platform, which increases both the likelihood of use and overall user experience.

2. Safeguarding Against Cyber Attack

Cyber threats are not just a concern for larger enterprises; small businesses are also now being targeted by attack vectors that previously affected larger enterprises. As threats become more advanced, security testing is a key tool for spotting weaknesses, mitigating them before hackers can exploit them, and ultimately safeguarding your data, as well as your customers’.

3. Reduce Overall Costs

Performance and security problems that come after deployment are expensive problems to fix. Early detection through testing minimizes expensive fixes that will ultimately hurt your bottom line and minimize the risk of downtime or breaches to your application.

4. Compliance

There are strict guidelines and regulations in place in certain industries, particularly finance, healthcare, and e-commerce (also GDPR and PCI DSS). Security testing can help provide evidence of compliance and save you from fines or legal formalities.

5. Scalability

There are growth concerns depending on the accuracy of your report and the possible hurdles of growth your web service could face. Performance testing helps avoid any issues that can arise from suddenly increased numbers of traffic or usage.

Best Practices for Effective Testing

Test early, test often - Each stage of the development lifecycle lends itself to testing to find issues as early as possible.

Test realistic user behaviours - Take advantage of user behaviours that are as realistic as you can for testing, along with their attack behaviours, as testing will give more realistic outputs.

Automate your testing - Automated testing tools will help you save time and improve precision in repeatable tasks.

Work with a provider - Using a provider of testing services, like GQAT Tech, will give you reliable results and clear issue identification.

Monitor continuously - Continuous testing and monitoring will allow the systems to always remain secure and performant as they relate to new threats and demands.

Why Choose Professional Testing Services?

Internal testing is important, while using a testing provider will provide expertise, available and advanced tools, and insight from both sides of the testing process. A provider like GQAT Tech will provide testing services in either performance or security testing and can work to your needs. Our teams are very experienced and perform established methodologies that will identify and then remediate existing issues found on your digital platforms or websites to ensure they work correctly, are performant, and secure.

Conclusion

In a time of increasing user expectations and continuous risk, we should view performance and security testing as a need instead of an option. When companies perform continuous performance and security testing, they can produce a great user experience, protect sensitive content from prying eyes, and create a great opportunity for success at scale. The sooner performance and security testing are utilized, the sooner your platform can thrive, whether you are developing a new application or scaling an existing one.

Do you think you are ready to elevate your digital platforms? Start with GQAT Tech's professional testing to take your first step towards a faster, safer, and more reliable digital footprint.

[smartcitysystem]

Application Security Auditing & Testing | App Security Audit Review

Secure your mobile and web apps with professional application security audits. Comprehensive security testing and reviews to protect your applications from vulnerabilities.

[atcuality1]

From Crisis to Confidence – Atcuality Restores More Than Just Code

Your website is your digital storefront. When it gets hacked, your brand reputation and customer trust are at stake. Atcuality understands the urgency and emotional toll of such breaches. That’s why our team offers fast-acting, reliable hacked site recovery services that not only fix the problem but prevent it from recurring. We clean your site, identify the source of the attack, and patch every loophole we find. With real-time updates and continuous support, you’ll never feel alone in the recovery process. We go beyond fixing bugs—we educate you about best practices, implement enterprise-grade firewalls, and monitor your website 24/7. Regain control of your site and peace of mind with Atcuality’s recovery experts.

[robotico-digital]

Why Security Testing Is a Must-Have in Your SDLC: Tools, Techniques, and Benefits

Security is not a checkbox at the end of your SDLC — it's a continuous discipline. By embracing security testing solutions early and consistently, you protect your applications, your users, and your business reputation. If you’re looking for a reliable security testing service provider, let Robotico Digital be your trusted partner. Our holistic approach to application security testing helps you innovate faster — without compromising on safety.

[atcuality2]

Telegram Bots That Do More Than Just Chat - Atcuality

At Atcuality, we believe a bot should be more than just functional—it should be impactful. Our team of developers and designers build Telegram bots that combine utility with personality. Whether it’s a shopping assistant, event notifier, or educational quiz master, we make sure your bot reflects your brand’s tone and goals. Right in the middle of our process is our expertise in Telegram Bot Creation, allowing us to build robust systems that run reliably and scale as your audience grows. Our solutions are built with best practices in security, user experience, and performance. And the best part? You don’t have to worry about a thing—we handle setup, testing, deployment, and even updates. If you're ready to turn passive followers into active participants, Atcuality is your go-to partner.

[rskcyber]

Mobile Application Penetration Testing in the UK: Safeguarding Your Mobile Ecosystem

Mobile applications serve as a crucial touchpoint between businesses and customers. With countless users now utilizing sensitive applications in banking, healthcare, ecommerce, and social networking, business mobile apps deal with enormous amount sensitive data. The ever growing usage of mobile devices increases the likelihood of cyber threats making mobile application penetration testing a necessity, especially for businesses in the UK.

This paper will discuss the process of mobile application penetration testing and the techniques used and needed by companies based in the UK. It will also highlight the most vulnerabilities commonly found on mobile applications as well as best practices in mobile application security.

What Is Mobile Application Penetration Testing?

Testing the security of a mobile application involves mimicking real world attacks. Mobile application penetration testing is doing just that. This form of testing aims to reveal security weaknesses in mobile apps, both Android and iOS, which cybercriminals could leverage to gain unauthorized access, data, or disrupt services.

When testing the security of mobile applications, the mobile applications testers employed both manual techniques alongside automated methods to evaluate client-side (UI, storage, code) and server-side APIs, databases, and authentication) components of the mobile application. The process is akin to everything a hacker would do in the active exploitation phase if they were attempting to compromise your application.

Why Is Mobile Application Virus Scanning Important to Businesses in the UK?

1. Increased Mobile Cybersecurity Attacks

Due to the increased use of mobile applications in the UK, hackers are on the lookout for apps that would grant access to sensitive personal and financial information. Reports indicate that mobile malware attacks and insufficiently secured mobile API interfaces are among the leading worries of security professionals.

2. Adherence to Governing Laws in the UK

Businesses within the UK are required to observe laws on data protection like the UK GDPR that offers strong protective measures when it comes to handling and processing personal data. It is important to note that routinely scheduled mobile app penetration testing will be able to make certain that the application is compliant with the laws avoiding sumptuary fines.

3. Safeguarding Brand Loyalty

Penetration testing ensures that potential problems are dealt with beforehand, avoiding needless unflattering publicity as well as loss of treasured brand equity. One mobile application flaw has the potential to put thousands of lives at risk, exposing such vulnerabilities usually leads to public relation disasters, negative press, and damage to brand equity.

Most Common Flaws in Mobile Applications

Following is a list of the most common gaps emerging from mobile app penetration testing:

Insecure Data Retention: The retention of sensitive information such as personal passwords or session tokens in easily accessible forms such as in text files on devices.

Ineffective Authentication Protocols: Other than absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA), poor session control is a contributing factor.

Insecure Communication: The use of encryption that is either absent or weak when encrypting the communication that takes place between the app and the server.

Reverse Engineering Risk: Possibility of attackers reverse engineering the application due to the absence of obfuscation in the code.

Insecure APIs: Exposed backend APIs which can be exploited for unauthorized access to data or functions.

Improper Platform Usage: The use of platform functionalities such as permissions, intents, or inter-process communications in a manner that was not intended.

Recommended Mobile Application Security Practices

As noted during penetration testing, businesses should take steps to fix vulnerabilities with the following suggested practices:

1. Protect All Sensitive Information With Encryption.

Encrypt all stored and transmitted information, data, or resources, including mobile application data, with strong encryption algorithms. Communication between the mobile application and the backend servers should be conducted using SSL or TLS.

2. Employ Strong Security Controls Related to User Authentication.

Implement multi-factor authentication, protective session handling with secure session maintenance, automatic log-out after idle timeouts for user accounts and sessions.

3. Obfuscate Mobile App Code

Weaknesses or secrets embedded in the app may be exploited by reverse engineering it. Attacks of this nature are made difficult through code obfuscation.

4. Secure APIs

Implement controls for access restriction base on proper validation commands and limit the number of permitted input rates to secure APIs from abuse.

5. Conduct Regular Penetration Testing

Penetration testing on mobile applications should be conducted routinely, especially after a significant code change or prior to introducing new features. Engage certified cyber security services to get thorough testing done.

The Best Cyber Security Companies for Mobile App Pen Testing in the UK

Should you wish to acquire Mobile Application penetration testing services within the United Kingdom, these companies come highly recommended:

1. NCC Group

NCC Group, as one of the world's foremost cyber security experts, provides thorough mobile application testing which includes source code review, dynamic analysis, and backend security review.

2. Redscan (now part of Kroll)

Redscan offers specialized penetration testing for both Android and iOS applications, addressing security loopholes and assisting organizations to fortify their mobile applications.

3. Falanx Cyber

Falanx offers tailored mobile security assessments and penetration testing with detailed reporting and strategic remediation guidance.

4. Cyber Smart

Cyber Smart serves SMEs specializing in automated compliance and security, offering assessments of mobile applications from the GDPR and Cyber Essentials compliance perspectives.

Conclusion: Mobile Pen Testing Is No Longer Optional

Mobile applications, when leveraged appropriately within a business, can propel the organization to new heights. However, they do bring with them additional avenues for potential attacks. As the UK continues to embrace mobile adoption, mobile application penetration testing is a fundamental practice that protects both users and businesses from critical breaches.

From thoroughly testing your applications, working with reputable cyber security companies, as well as dealing with weaknesses in a proactive manner, you not only safeguard sensitive information but also protect compliance as well as customer confidence.

What are you waiting for? We can help you defend your mobile applications with trusted penetration testing. Contact us today and we can discuss how to improve your mobile security posture.

[sab-cat]

2025/03/27 [#269] (runtime 00:52:43) Paris Marx is joined by Kate Green and Milo to discuss how Elon Musk’s DOGE is dismantling the US Digital Service and the consequences that has on really improving service delivery in government. Guest: Kate Green and Milo are former US Digital Service engineers.

Kate Green and Milo talk about specific projects, in detail, and the difference between developing tech as a public service and for profit. It's a great listen if you're at all curious about tech projects that went under the radar and a bit of what working on government tech projects can be like.